Duct and pipe bracket for use between joists

ABSTRACT

A mounting bracket for supporting hollow ducts or water lines, or both in combination, between spaced-apart juxtaposed joists in a building structure comprising a lengthy plastic support member having a lineal length less than the joist spacing and a pair of parallel hollow open channels extending throughout its length, a pair of rod-shaped metallic members mounted adjacently and telescopically within said open channels, said metallic members having right-angled projecting end portions for rotational movement and forcible penetration of said bracket into juxtaposed joists to support said hollow ducts or water lines in durable long-term permenent relation within a building structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application of applicationSer. No. 08/730,129 filed Oct. 15, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an improved bracket or hanger for dualuse for supporting fluid-carrying ducts between adjacent joists in abuilding structure as well as water lines.

2. Description of the Related Art

As is well known in heating, cooling, ventilating and air-conditioningsystems (HVAC systems) in residential homes, condominiums, apartments,office buildings and other building structures, the duct members areusually comprised of metallic pipes, hollow composite materials such astubes, and the like supported from and between floor or ceiling joists.It is common practice for the HVAC system to include an elongatedprimary or main duct from which extends a series of smaller branch orfluid-distributing ducts which are mounted between adjoining floor orceiling joists and are parallel thereto. Such main and branch ductmembers which are located between joists are normally supported by metalwires or adjustable metal hangers which are placed between the joists intransverse supporting relation and are attached thereto by variousmeans.

In addition, the ducts may be supported by such hangers or brackets andwater supply and waste water lines may also be so supported. Thisinvention pertains to a more universal improved bracket for dual use forsupporting air ducts and water lines.

Normally the adjustable metal hangers have a substantial depth ofsection which is not readily amenable to expeditious cutting to lengthto fit between non-uniform adjoining joists. Also non-uniformity of thespacing between adjacent Joists creates an installation problem. Thesometimes variable distances between adjacent joists prevent theutilization of duct hangers having standard uniform lengths. Inaddition, the pointed ends or tapered prongs on the ends of certaintypes of adjustable hangers are not easily or satisfactorily driven intowooden joists at desired locations or at prescribed spacing due toimperfections in the wooden joists such as knots, holes, cracks and thelike. The prongs sometimes break off during installation rendering thebracket useless for the intended purpose. The pointed ends or prongs areoccasionally only partially or incompletely seated in the joists andlose their load-carrying ability at one end or the other in time,allowing the duct or pipe to sag, loosen or break. Also the metallichangers create a heat transfer loss from the ducts to the hangers, andin addition cause a noise and vibration problem due to air flow in theducts and reasonance noise in the floors, ceilings and surroundingareas. The vibration and reasonance contributes to the unseating of thehanger ends. The prior art hangers are only horizontally adjustable andcannot be vertically adjustable for their mounting between the joists.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,386 discloses an adjustable duct hanger havingtapered prongs at its ends which are not easily or satisfactorily driveninto the joists for the aforesaid reasons. Also the two telescopicsections are more expensive to manufacture and assemble. U.S. Pat. No.5,024,403 discloses a pipe hanger having an upper rectangular plate ofprescribed length which is difficult to sever, and ends which cannotpenetrate the joists easily or satisfactorily. There are otheradjustable hangers in the prior art such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,285,553 which experience mounting problems due to their wedge-shapedprongs. And, as stated, all impart vibration and noise to the floor andceiling joists due to operational mechanical components such as motorsand fans associated with the HVAC ducts because of their all-metalconstruction and interconnection. As stated, known hangers can only beadjusted horizontally to fit between adjacent joists. None can beadjusted vertically in full supporting relation beneath the ducts orwater lines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary objective of this invention to provide animproved bracket for multiple use having an essentially uniform lengthof lineal plastic material less than the normal spacing betweenadjoining floor joists with a pair of parallel narrow open channelstherewithin which contain a pair of rod-shaped metallic members inspaced-apart slidable relation. The two rod-shaped metallic members ofthe bracket extend through the major portion of the plastic body memberwith angled projecting ends extending to close proximity to thejuxtaposed joists in order to force with impact their shaped ends intothe wooden joists.

Another objective of this invention is to provide an improved bracketfor universal use which can be economically manufactured and assembledfrom plastic material and metallic rods for more versatile use betweenboth uniform and non-uniform joist spacing. The bracket utilizes auniform lineal length of plastic material to retain a parallel pair ofrod-shaped metallic rods in slidable relation, the rods havingright-angled projecting ends for positive load-bearing restraint of theducts or water lines of varying sizes. The present bracket offers animportant feature of vertical adjustment at its ends so that the bracketcan be mounted in precise supporting relation with respect to the ductsand fluid lines.

A further objective of this invention is to provide a simplified andeconomical telescoping bracket for dual use which requires no severancefor length adjustment and can be readily mounted in precise vertical andhorizontal relationship to the ducts and water lines between adjacentjoists having uniform or variable spacing. The plastic body membercontacts the ducts or waterlines to dampen or eliminate vibration, andreasonance and noise imparted to the joists by action of fluid flowoccurring in the ducts or mechanical components of the system.

A still further objective of this invention is to provide a dual bracketwhich is economical to manufacture and efficient to use havingcharacteristics of heavy and permanent load-carrying ability within thespace between adjacent floor and ceiling joists and is especiallycapable of substantial noise reduction and lesser heat transfer in HVACsystems.

With the aforesaid and additional objectives in mind, the inventioncomprises an improved bracket for load-supporting capability and uniquecomponents thereof, which are inexpensive to manufacture and are readilyusable in an expedient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate thesame parts and elements of the bracket in all views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the subject improved bracket for dualuse showing the various basic components thereof.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 1severed at its center portion.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the bracket with its main bodyportion in raised position supporting an air duct and its projectingangular ends in a lower position supported by floor joists shown insection.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the brackettaken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front elevational view of one end portion of thebracket showing one projecting pointed end.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the bracket similar to FIG. 3 withthe main body portion in lower position with a pair of U-shaped clampsaffixed to its lower side for retaining a pair of water pipes.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the brackettaken along the line B--B of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a further enlarged top plan view of the bracket shown in FIGS.6 and 7 severed in a medial region.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 8showing the pair of U-shaped clamps affixed to the bracket inspaced-apart relation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As stated supra, in most common types of heating, cooling andventilating systems which are installed in residential homes,condominiums, apartments and commercial buildings, an elongated mainfluid-carrying duct extends from the fluid source, such as a furnace orair-conditioning unit, to a series of branch ducts which normally extendthroughout the building structure. The various main and branch ducts areusually located between and parallel to the floor and ceiling joists.The various ducts must be adequately and securely supported in suchhollow areas to maintain integrity of the system and to conserve space,especially the headspace for the floors below.

The prior art hangers or brackets, as aforesaid, particularly thosehaving wedge-shaped prongs at their ends, are difficult to forciblydrive into the joists and can experience breakage of one or both prongs.The pronged ends frequently do not retain the load at both ends of thebracket over time, and occasionally require nails to be driven from thebracket into the joists for proper duct support. Also the several layersof metal and substantial depth of section of many known types ofbrackets cannot be conveniently cut to size at the job-site in order tofit within narrowly-spaced joists.

The present invention provides an improved universal bracket 10 whichcomprises a generally rectangularly-shaped main body member 11 having auniform cross-section and a length ranging from about 10 to 12 inches.The optimum preferred length is determined by the normal spacing betweenadjacent spaced-apart joists in many building structures which istypically 14 inches. The main body member 11 is preferably comprised ofrelatively rigid durable plastic material such as polypropylene or othercomparable plastic material. The body member has preferred dimensions incross section of about 1/4 inch by 1/2 inch and a pair of hollow openparallel channels extending throughout its length. The similar openchannels have uniform open diameters of about 1/8 inch. Obviously, thedimensions of the plastic body member and its inner open channels may bevaried widely as desired. The body member 11 has square cut ends and alineal dimension less than ordinary joist spacing.

A pair of rod-shaped telescoped members 12 and 13 are fitted within theopen adjacent channels having straight portions 12a and 13a which extendthroughout the major length of the body member. The rod-shaped members12 and 13 are preferably comprised of about 1/8 inch diameter steel rodor slightly less diameter for their freely slidable mounting within theopen channels of the body member. The rods add considerable strength tothe body member and are freely telescoped therein. The rods 12a and 13aare similarly shaped in circular cross section and haveright-angle-shaped projecting free ends which are pointed at their ends.The right-angled end portions are designated as 12b and 13b on thedrawings and their pointed terminating end portions as 12c and 13c. Therod members 12 and 13 may be freely rotated within the channels througha full 360 degrees of rotation for ready mounting of the bracket in anydesired orientation. The straight rod portions of the rod members 12 and13 may be slid both inwardly and outwardly for ready adjustableinstallation of the bracket. The fully rotatable character of themetallic rods in the body member permit a wide range of verticaladjustment of bracket mounting. The projecting pointed ends of the rodmembers are adapted to penetration of the wooden joists by forciblypounding or impacting of the right-angled end portions of the rodmembers with a hammer or other device.

FIG. 3 shows the bracket with its main body member in its upper positionsupporting the hollow air duct. The projecting ends of the rod membersare turned downwardly with their pointed terminating portions driveninto the joists in their uppermost position.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the bracket 10a with its main bodymember in its lower position with the projecting ends 12b and 13b intheir upper positions for duct or water line support. The projectingends of the rods may also be mounted in the joists in the same plane asthe main body portion as desired or in other alternative orientation. Inaddition, one projecting end can be turned upwardly and the otherdownwardly as desired for installation of the bracket 10 or 10a. Theright-angled projecting ends 12b and 13b of the rod members are suitablefor their forceful pounding into the wooden joists.

The bracket does not require the cutting of its main body member whichis sized to fit between normal joist spacing with some relatively loosefreedom of movement. The largely enclosed rod members 12 and 13 beingjournaled telescopically in the main body member 11 permit theirmovement both laterally and rotationally for quick and ready mounting ofthe bracket 10 or 10a in both horizontally and vertically positivealignment with the ducts, or water lines and joists.

With the plastic main body member comprised preferably of polypropyleneor high-density polyethylene, for example, having some flexibility andresiliency, the bracket 10 or 10a is mounted under the ducts or waterlines and between the joists without any direct metal-to-metal contactor interconnection. The plastic body member absorbs essentially any andall vibration and resonance which occurs in the ducts and water linesdue to forceful air flow and water flow as well as mechanical vibrationof moving components of the system such as motors, fans and pumps. Ithas been observed that a marked dampening or complete elimination ofnoise and vibration from the fluid-carrying system, whether it consistsof air or water flow, is obtained which is a very significant featureand benefit of the subject bracket. When the main and branch ducts orwater lines of the system are all supported by a plurality of thesubject brackets, a measurable reduction of tones of noise is obtained,especially over the long-term working life of the system. FIG. 3 showsthe bracket 10 properly-installed between adjoining joists with the ductD resting on and supported by its upper surface of the bracket. FIG. 6shows the bracket 10a in the modified embodiment with a pair of waterlines 20 and 21 supported in a pair of U-shaped clamps 22 and 23attached to the underside of the bracket 10a.

The subject brackets 10 and 10a when properly installed can readilyhandle heavy weights as indicated by testing of the brackets withconcrete blocks suspended between a pair of the brackets installedbetween joists. The brackets when so loaded will tend to bow downwardly,but strengthen due to a wedging action of the angled projecting ends ofthe bracket, whether the projecting seated ends are placed above orbelow the plastic main body member on both sides thereof, or in the sameplane as main body 11, the brackets show the same strengthening-effect.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the pair of U-shaped clamps 22 and 23 attached to themain body member 11 of the bracket by a pair of metal screws threadedinto the body member in self-seating arrangement. The screws 24 and 25are attached within a medial region of the bracket centered so that thescrews pass between the rod members 12 and 13 seated in the main bodymember. The screws 24 and 25 are usually attached in such area after thebracket is mounted between joists with the rod members in their normallyseated positions. The screws also serve to lock the rod members in fixedposition so that their projecting ends cannot separate from the joists.The water pipes 20 and 21 may be the same or dissimilar diameter forwater delivery or for waste water lines.

Thus, the brackets 10 or 10a can be used serially attached to pluralfloor or ceiling joists or other building members over long runs tosupport both ducts and/or water lines as desired. The brackets can beused for ducts only or for water lines thereof, or for other members tobe supported.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are by wayof example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described.

Various modifications may be resorted to within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A bracket, comprising:a main body member having first and second channels extending longitudinally through the main body member; a first rod slidably and rotatably mounted in the first channel; the first rod having a projecting end extending out of the main body member; a second rod slidably and rotatably mounted in the second channel; the second rod having a projecting end extending out of the main body member; the projecting end of the first rod being on an opposite end of the main body member than the projecting end of the second rod; a U-shaped clamp connected to the main body member; and at least one screw connecting the U-shaped clamp to the main body member, at least a portion of the at least one screw being disposed in the main body member.
 2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the screw is disposed between the first and second channels.
 3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one screw locks the position of a corresponding one of the first and second rods with respect to the main body member.
 4. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said at least one screw comprises a first screw and a second screw.
 5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the main body member is fabricated from a polymer.
 6. The bracket of claim 5, wherein the main body member is fabricated from a durable polypropylene plastic material.
 7. The bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the rods has a substantially circular cross section; each channel has a substantially circular cross section; and the diameter of each rod is less than the diameter of each channel.
 8. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the main body member has a longitudinal length of at least 10 inches.
 9. The bracket of claim 8, wherein each rod has a diameter of substantially 1/8 inch.
 10. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the projecting end of each rod is pointed.
 11. The bracket of claim 10, wherein the projecting end of each rod is offset from the main body member.
 12. The bracket of claim 11, wherein the projecting end of each rod is right-angle shaped.
 13. A bracket, comprising:a main body member having first and second channels extending longitudinally through the main body member; the first and second channels being spaced apart from one another; a first rod disposed in the first channel; the first rod having a projecting end extending out of the main body member; a second rod disposed in the second channel; the second rod having a projecting end extending out of the main body member; the projecting end of the first rod being on an opposite end of the main body member than the projecting end of the second rod; a clamp connected to the main body member; and at least one screw connecting the clamp to the main body member, at least a portion of the at least one screw being disposed in the main body member between the first and second channels, each of the at least one screw locking the longitudinal position of a corresponding one of the first and second rods with respect to the main body member.
 14. The bracket of claim 13, wherein the main body member is fabricated from a plastic.
 15. The bracket of claim 13, wherein the projecting ends of the rods are offset from the main body member.
 16. In combination, a pair of spaced apart joists, a pipe, and a bracket for supporting and the pipe; the bracket including:a main body member having first and second channels extending longitudinally through the main body member; the first and second channels being spaced apart from one another; a first rod disposed in the first channel; the first rod having a projecting end extending out of the main body member and into one of the joists; a second rod disposed in the second channel; the second rod having a projecting end extending out of the main body member into the other of the joists; a clamp connected to the main body member; at least one screw connecting the clamp to the main body member, at least a portion of the at least one screw being disposed in the main body member between the first and second channels, each of the at least one screw rods, the screw locking the longitudinal position of a corresponding one of the first and second rods with respect to the main body member; and the pipe disposed in the clamp.
 17. The combination of claim 16, wherein the joists are spaced apart by a first distance; the main body member having a length greater than 50 percent of the first distance. 